Head of Scientific Operations in Liverpool

The post holder provides strategic oversight and leadership for all scientific activities within BioGrad Limited, ensuring that all operations comply with relevant regulatory and quality standards. They are responsible for developing and implementing the organisation’s scientific strategy, while providing high-level strategic input to the senior leadership team.

They hold commercial oversight for BioGrad’s scientific services, building and maintaining strategic relationships with key business clients and ensuring that scientific delivery aligns with broader commercial objectives. They act as a senior leader and functional manager, with the authority to delegate responsibilities and drive performance across multidisciplinary teams.

Division: Biobank/Laboratory

Responsible to: CEO

Hours: 35 hours, 5 days per week

Location: Liverpool

Manages: Scientific functions including scientific staff

Type of contract: Maternity Leave Cover (10-12 months)

Roles & Responsibilities:

• To fulfil an ambassadorial role (participating in key events).
• Communicate regularly with sales account managers, develop and maintain relationships with targeted clients.
• Formulate and supervise the overall scientific strategy of the company including Quality Control, Diagnostics, R&D, Manufacturing and Biobanking and develop the scientific infrastructure and logistics required to fulfil this strategy.
• Recognise, escalate, and ensure resolution of operational, quality, or financial concerns of the department.
• Oversee all scientific functions. Provide professional leadership for all scientists.
• Lead in a collaborative and influential style to achieve effective and efficient delivery of the day-to-day operational services.
• Line management of scientific staff.
• Oversee recruitment and management of scientific and support staff in adherence with company policies and procedures.
• May grant data and system access to employees under their care.
• Oversee development processes to advance company’s pipeline programs towards the envisioned strategy milestones.
• Establish priorities, resources and scientific outcomes to achieve the company’s strategic goals and objectives.
• Supervise interactions with external stakeholders, establish and facilitate collaborations and contracts consistent with internal strategies.
• Oversee and supervise the company’s IP portfolio.
• Set and maintain the network with third parties and other BioGrad departments.
• Provide operational reports and participate in senior leadership and operational meetings.
• Work closely with the specialist staff and other departments to ensure the provision of a high-quality client-focused service at all times.
• Responsible for existence and management of contingency plans.
• Provide input and operational strategy and work with CEO, directors and board to ensure and improve operational efficiency.
• Responsibility for the overall operation and administration of scientific activities.
• Develop and maintain strategic relationships with key business clients, ensuring their scientific and operational needs are understood and met.
• Act as the primary point of contact for commercial partners, fostering long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships.
• Collaborate with the commercial and sales teams to identify new business opportunities and contribute scientific insight into commercial proposals and tenders.
• Monitor commercial performance of scientific projects and services, ensuring alignment with business objectives and profitability targets.
• Provide regular reports for senior leadership on commercial outcomes, client satisfaction, and emerging market trends.
• Negotiate and manage contracts with external business clients, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and company policies.
• Oversee the management of laboratory operations including Biobank, R&D and manufacturing services.
• Responsible for the quality and accuracy of laboratory results.
• Authorise laboratory procedures and technical result review.
• Liaise with necessary departments on the release of results and/or samples and impact of non-conformities on patient safety and/or product quality.
• Co-ordinate the technical setup and development of the scientific infrastructure, including procurement of required materials and devices.
• Proactively manage and drive the resolution of client issues and technical non-conformances.
• At the end of the contract, there may be an opportunity to be considered for an alternative role within a different area of the business, subject to the needs and priorities of the organisation at that time.
• Navigate the regulatory landscape in relation to the scientific strategy and manage relationships with regulatory bodies.
• Ensure provided services are of the highest quality.
• Oversee the acquisition of relevant accreditations.
• Ensure that quality applications are submitted within deadlines.
• Address complaints, requests or suggestions from staff and/or users of laboratory services.
• Champion the management system and facilitate quality culture. Responsible for facilitating opportunities and mitigations of risks in relation to the scientific strategy and projects.
• Ensure that all team staff comply with all required laboratory standards and appropriate accreditation throughout the business.
• Lead and host third-party audits. Carry out internal and external audits.
• Shape BioGrad’s integrated QMS management system. Authority to approve technical and quality-related documentation.
• Direct the planning and implementation of scientific projects in line with scientific strategy, setting and communicating realistic timelines in line with stakeholder requirements.
• Provide regular reports to senior management and other directors.
• Health and Safety: Ensure laboratory facilities and operations are carried out in line with regulatory requirements.
• Direct building and design of laboratory facilities where required.
• Responsible for ensuring that appropriate working procedures and environments are in place to work with Category 2 & 3 material and hazardous substances in accordance with appropriate Codes of Conduct and Local safety rules.
• Ensure a safe laboratory environment in compliance with good laboratory practice and relevant requirements.

General:

• Mentor and guide staff in supporting other departments where required.
• Keep up to date with all technical knowledge and skills in line with current best practices.
• Develop and maintain healthy and updated communication with targeted clients to allow smooth operations.
• Arrange and chair meetings with your team leaders.

Qualifications, Training & Knowledge:

• PhD in a relevant scientific field (e.g. biomedical sciences, biology, medicine) – Essential.
• Strong understanding of scientific principles underpinning BioGrad’s strategy and activities – Essential.
• Demonstrated knowledge of regulatory frameworks (MHRA, ISO, UKAS, HTA, GDPR) – Essential.
• Knowledge of commercial principles, business development and contract management – Essential.
• Evidence of operational and strategic management experience – Essential.

Experience:

• Extensive leadership and management experience in a commercial and regulated environment – Essential.
• Proven track record of advancing and delivering scientific projects from concept to completion – Essential.
• Proven track record of laboratory handling and analysis of human biological samples (cell culture, molecular, cell separation techniques) – Essential.
• Experience of laboratory management (diagnostics, biobank, or manufacturing) – Essential.
• Experience in managing relationships with external stakeholders and regulatory bodies – Essential.
• Experience in commercial client relationship management and contract negotiation – Essential.
• Experience in developing and implementing functional and scientific strategies – Essential.
• Demonstrated ability to drive operational efficiency and lead organisational change – Essential.

Skills & Behaviors:

• Excellent leadership and people management skills, with ability to inspire, direct, and delegate – Essential.
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to identify and capitalise on business opportunities – Essential.
• Ability to build and maintain long-term strategic relationships with clients and stakeholders – Essential.
• High-level communication and negotiation skills, both written and verbal – Essential.
• Exceptional planning, organisational, and time management skills – Essential.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills with evidence of independent decision-making – Essential.
• Ability to work under pressure and prioritise competing demands effectively – Essential.
• Commitment to quality, safety, and continuous improvement – Essential.

Company Benefits:

• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Benefits Available after 1 years’ Service.
• House Loan Scheme.
• Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Package.
• Enhanced Sickness and Absence Pay.
• Enhanced holiday package after 5 years and 10 years’ service.